Encinitas Beach Sand Replenishment Tax, Measure G (June 2008)

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A City of Encinitas Beach Sand Replenishment Short-Term Lodging Rentals Tax, Measure G ballot question was on the June 3, 2008 ballot for voters in the City of Encinitas in San Diego County, California, where it was defeated.

If Measure G had been approved, it would have imposed an 2% tax on short-term lodging rentals in Encinitas. "Short-term" is defined as less than 30 days. City government officials voted to put the measure, along with Measure F, on the ballot. (Measure F was approved.)

Because the Beach Sand Tax was proposed for a special purpose, 2/3rds of voters would have had to approve it for it to win.

There are approximately 130 short-term rentals in Encinitas, and if Measure F and Measure G had both passed, they were expected to put about $250,000 per year into the city's treasury. Encinitas spends $40,000 a year to replenish the sand on its popular beaches.

Following the June defeat of Measure G, the Encinitas City Council voted to put a similar measure, Measure K, on the November 4, 2008 ballot. Measure K was approved.

Election results

Support

The main argument put forward by supporters in favor of Measures G & F was that guests who stay in local hotels and motels, or B&Bs, already pay a similar tax, whereas guests who stay in short-term housing that is not defined as transient lodging don't pay the tax.

Opposition

The San Diego County Taxpayers Association opposed Measure F and G. So did City Council candidate Joe Sheffo.

Ballot question

The question on the ballot:

MEASURE G: "Shall an ordinance be approved to amend Section 3.12.030 of the Encinitas Municipal Code to require guests of short term rental units (30 days or less) to pay 2% of the rent charged as a special transient occupancy tax for beach sand replenishment and stabilization projects effective January 1, 2009?"[1]